In numerous past MTA plans, both the city and state cut billions of their own financial contributions and repeatedly had the MTA refinance or borrow funds to acquire capital.

For those public officials who oppose fare increases, just how would they assist the MTA in balancing financial shortfalls? Which capital improvement projects would they propose to cancel to help balance the budget and avoid fare increases? On which routes would they support service reductions?

MTA services are still one of the best bargains in town. Fare hikes are justified to provide reliable daily service to millions of New Yorkers. They are inevitable due to inflation along with increasing costs.

In the end, quality and frequency of service is dependent upon secure revenue streams. We all will have to contribute, be it in higher fares or tax revenues redistributed to the MTA.

President Obama has indicated that his administration will not enforce federal laws against pot in Colorado and Washington, just as it has not sought to uphold the Defense of Marriage Act against challenges in federal courts (“Pot, Gays & Change,” Jacob Sullum, PostOpinon, Dec. 14).

Obama may be motivated by the desire to reward the voters of these states, since they voted to re-elect him, as well as to legalize pot.

Opposition to legalization of marijuana does not, however, compel the conclusion that pot smokers should be incarcerated. Fines without a criminal record and confiscation of the substance would be preferable.

Another option is a tax on pot, in addition to the fine.

Just as income obtained illegally is taxable, excise taxes can be levied on illegal substances.

Just call it revenue rather than a tax to make it more palatable.

E. Silverman, Highland Park, NJ

Pinto’s NY hero

Jack Pinto, a young victim of the Sandy Hook shooting, idolized the New York Giants’ Victor Cruz so much that he was buried wearing one of Cruz’s No. 80 jerseys (“Cruz & Jack’s Kin,” Dec. 19).

Is it too much to ask those professional athletes who ignore their roles as “models” for impressionable youngsters and do things like drive drunk to pledge to change their ways?